In the past few years, scientists worldwide have found different ways to battle COVID-19. Now, a new study suggests that a cup of coffee can both help fight against SARS-CoV-2 and help people fight the virus if they’re infected.
According to researchers from Tawain, simply drinking one to two cups of coffee a day could potentially make all the difference when trying to fight against COVID-19.
Moderate Coffee Intake Successfully Fights COVID-19
In a new study published in the journal Cell & Bioscience, researchers found that coffee can help prevent COVID-19 infection when drunk moderately. Scientists working on this study, therefore, recommend people to drink coffee if they’re looking to stave off a COVID-19 infection.
“Moderate coffee consumption, including decaffeination, can provide a new guideline for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2,” the study explained. “Based on the results, we also suggest a coffee-drinking plan for people to prevent infection in the post-Covid-19 era.”
The Science of Coffee vs. COVID
According to researchers, ingredients naturally found in coffee can prevent the COVID-19 virus by restraining the binding of the virus’ spike protein. As a result, this keeps the virus from accurately infecting cells in one’s body.
Throughout this study, scientists paid attention to how coffee fights against COVID-19 by conducting a trial of 64 people. They also used a variety of different coffee types and brands.
Coffee Reduces Virus Severities
Researchers also found that coffee can help combat the severity of the COVID-19 virus in those infected. “Coffee consumption is connected with reduced Covid-19 risk and correlated to Covid-19 severity,” researchers said.
Because one to two cups of coffee can greatly eliminate the gravity of the virus infection, the study recommends that infected patients continue to drink coffee throughout their sickness.
The Coffee Types That Are Efficient
In this study, researchers used a range of store-bought coffee types and brands. As a result, it appears that all coffee types can help when fighting COVID-19 — even decaffeinated ones.
“Interestingly, no matter what kind of coffee or adding additional intergrading (sugar or milk), it has the capability to reduce SARS-CoV-2 entering into host cells,” the study explained. Ground coffee and instant coffee can also effectively reduce the virus’ effects.
When to Drink Coffee to Battle COVID-19
Throughout the study, researchers consistently recommended that those looking to prevent a COVID-19 infection — or those looking to fight it — should drink one to two cups of coffee a day.
However, researchers also got specific on when to drink the hot beverage. “The best timeline for impeding SARS-CoV-2 entry is within six hours after drinking coffee,” they said. “It is recommended to intake coffee once again after six hours to maintain the efficacy of inhibiting infection.”
Other Health Benefits of Coffee
Luckily for coffee drinkers, the caffeinated beverage can help with various other health conditions. For example, many studies have found that moderately drinking coffee every day can help reduce the risks of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Ingredients naturally found in the drink can also positively influence blood pressure and heart health.
Do Not Overindulge
Though this recent study does recommend that people drink coffee when battling a COVID-19 infection, researchers also explained that you don’t want to overindulge in the beverage. The benefits of drinking coffee only arise when consumed moderately.
This means you should only drink one to two cups of coffee a day. On average, it’s also recommended to steer clear of drinking a cup later in the evening. This could negatively impact your sleep.
Keep Your Drink Simple
This new study does admit that drinking any type of coffee beverage can help prevent, and fight, a COVID-19 infection. Therefore, putting sugar or milk in your coffee can still bring about positive results. However, many health experts recommend keeping your coffee as simple as possible.
Numerous health studies recommend keeping your coffee black, or only adding milk — and avoiding adding any sugars or sweeteners.
Other Drinks to Combat COVID-19
Coffee isn’t the only beverage that can help you fight COVID-19. Drinking about 8-10 cups of water a day during any period of sickness will always benefit you.
Experts say that water is the best thing you can drink whenever you’re sick. Consistently drinking water throughout the day can help get rid of waste and regulate your body temperature while fighting a virus.
Hot Drinks to Help Sickness
Different hot drinks can also help fight sickness. Health officials recommend drinking hot tea, with no sugar, if you’re fighting a COVID-19 infection.
Hot or warm water with natural lemon can also help those who feel sick. When making lemon water, ensure the lemon juice is easily diluted with enough water. Also, keep this beverage unsweetened, or add a little honey if you have a cough.
What Not to Drink
Health officials may recommend a lot of different drinks to try when sick, but there are also many that you shouldn’t touch whenever you’re under the weather. On average, don’t drink any beverage that has any sugars. Therefore, stay away from drinks like sweetened fruit juices.
You also shouldn’t drink a lot of caffeine during this time — even if coffee does help. If you’re going to drink any caffeinated beverage, keep it minimal or moderate.
